SET closes high on news of Covid-19 outbreak easing

The total transaction volume was Bt76.434 billion with an index high of 1,267.55 and a low of 1,241.10.
A stock analyst at Krungsri Securities expects the index to rise between 1,240 and 1,250 points in line with news that the Covid-19 crisis is easing in Thailand. 
“Today, there were only 34 new Covid-19 cases in a 24-hour period, bringing the total number up to 2,613 in the country,” the analyst noted. “If the numbers remain low, we expect the government to ease its lockdown measures, which will deliver positive sentiment to investors and boost economic conditions.”
However, the analyst said the index will be under pressure due to uncertainty following the decline in the US stock market as the country has the highest number of Covid-19 cases in the world, resulting in a massive impact on its economy as well as on the income of listed companies. 
“Plus, the price of crude oil has dropped due to uncertainty following a drop in demand, and lockdown measures bringing a negative sentiment to energy stocks,” he said. 
The top 10 stocks with the highest trade value on Tuesday were BAM, CPALL, PTT, GULF, ADVANC, AOT, MINT, TOP, CRC and SAWAD.
As of 5pm, the price of crude oil dropped by US$0.36 or 1.61 per cent to $22.05 per barrel, while gold price rose by $2.50 or 0.14 per cent, to $1,763.90 per ounce.
Meanwhile, most regional stock markets were on the rise: 
Japan’s Nikkei Index closed at 19,638.81, up 595.41 points, or 3.13 per cent.
China’s Shanghai SE Composite Index closed at 2,827.28, up 44.24 points, or 1.59 per cent, while Shenzhen SE Component Index closed at 10,475.70, up 252.54 points, or 2.47 per cent.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index closed at 24,435.40, up 135.07 points, or 0.56 per cent.
South Korea’s KOSPI Index closed at 1,857.08, up 31.32 points, or 1.72 per cent.
Taiwan’s TAIEX Index closed at 10.332.94, up 233.72 points, or 2.31 per cent.